From: Ella BucklowTo: A1 Birtley to Coal House; A1 Birtley to
Coal HouseCc: Gregory, Michele; Alford, Dean; Alice O"Reilly;
Bryony McLennan; Antony GormleySubject: Highways England - Deadline
9Date: 07 July 2020 17:38:03Attachments: 200612_Sir Antony Gormley
Responses to Deadline 8 Materials.docx
200702_Sir Antony Gormley_Issue Specific Hearing Landscape and
Visual.docxImages of the Angel of the North_Highways England
Hearing.pptx
Dear All, Many thanks again for allowing Sir Antony to
participate the recent hearing, and for sharing theimages of the
Angel of the North. As requested, please find attached these images
with accompanying dates and locations.Please also find attached a
summary of Sir Antony’s contribution to the hearing as listed in
theAction Points. The second Word document attached contains Sir
Antony’s responses to the Deadline 8Materials.I hope that this
format is sufficient, but please do let me know if you need this to
be separatedout into different documents.
Finally, could you please clarify if the hearing on the 14th
July will take place?A letter was published yesterday to say that
an additional Issue Specific Hearing will be going
ahead, but during the hearing of the 23rd June the Examiner
stated that the additional dateswere no longer needed. Many thanks
again for your help with this. Very best wishes, Ella Ella
BucklowPersonal Assistant to Tamara Doncon and Office Coordinator
ANTONY GORMLEY STUDIO15 - 23 Vale RoyalLondon N7 9APTel: +44 (0)
2077150335www.antonygormley.com
mailto:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]:[email protected]://gbr01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.antonygormley.com%2F&data=02%7C01%7CSM-A1BirtleytoCoalHouse%40planninginspectorate.gov.uk%7C039a379044414733e4c508d822941968%7C5878df986f8848ab9322998ce557088d%7C1%7C1%7C637297366783219677&sdata=av4Fwta%2BT%2Fq493ovY7U0imcISyPvYne09flEepAGfc8%3D&reserved=0
Sir Antony Gormley and Antony Gormley Studio
Submission for Deadline 9 – 8th July 2020
Letter of the 24th June from the Examining Authority relating to
a Site Inspection
We would like to reiterate our thanks for the Examining
Authorities time undertaking a further Unaccompanied Site
Inspection on Thursday 16 July 2020.
Sir Antony Gormley would like to request that the following
locations or viewpoints are considered during this visit:
· North Dene Footbridge – pedestrian user
· A1 road user Northbound approach to the Angel of the North
· A1 road user Southbound approach to the Angel of the North
· The foot of the Angel of the North looking towards the North
Dene Footbridge
· The foot of the Angel of the North looking along the A1
Northbound
· The foot of the Angel of the North looking along the A1
Southbound
· Durham Road Northbound and Southbound approach to the Angel of
the North (to place the landscaping scheme in its wider
context)
Highways England Responses to The Examiner’s Third Written
Questions
https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/ipc/uploads/projects/TR010031/TR010031-001097-EXAD8002%20Applicant%E2%80%99s%20Response%20to%20ExA%E2%80%99s%20Third%20Written%20Questions.pdf
3.6.1 We are pleased to hear that the Applicant will continue to
discuss a coordinated Landscape Design Mitigation Scheme with
Gateshead Council, and that ‘Option 3: Revealing the Angel’ will be
used as the basis for these discussions.
3.6.3 a) Thank you for the further details on the consideration
of single span gantries with support legs in the central reserve as
an alternative to the superspan gantries. We are particularly
concerned by the gantries planned for Chainage 13515 at Eighton
Lodge. As stated before, we would be keen to explore alternative
placements or designs at this chainage. We do not feel that the
Applicant’s statement regarding the vegetation is relevant, as this
vegetation will be partially removed as part of the Landscape
Mitigation Design Scheme.
3.6.4 We are reassured to hear that the Applicant is open to the
final design of signage and gantries to be subject to further
consultation.
Outline Construction Environmental Management Plan
TR0010031/APP/7.4
CH1 – Sir Antony welcomes the thinning of vegetation creating a
less dense visual barrier and emphasises the need to work closely
with Gateshead Council to develop a coherent scheme.
L7 – We are encouraged to hear that the Applicant intends to
work to integrate their landscaping scheme with the wider
landscaping scheme developed by Gateshead Council.
L8 – We would support the Applicant’s approach of scattered
planting to allow greater awareness of the Angel of the North,
however we would like further details on the proposed species of
vegetation in each area.
L14 – Again, Sir Antony would support the thinning of vegetation
to allow greater visibility of the Angel of the North.
B2 – As before, we feel that we need more information on the
proposed species of trees, proposed locations, and confirmation
that these species have been approved by an Ecologist.
B19 – As before, we feel that we need more information on the
proposed species of trees, proposed locations, and confirmation
that these species have been approved by an Ecologist.
B21 – We feel that any replanting at Long Acre Wood should
indeed be agreed with Gateshead Council.
B23 – We would support the reintroduction of native grassland to
the site surrounding the Angel of the North and are encouraged to
know that these plans will be developed in consultation with
Gateshead Council.
PH3 – We would be grateful if the Applicant could continue to
share information with Antony Gormley Studio throughout the
detailed design phase as the locations and designs of the gantries
are finalised.
Appendix 2.0C Schedule of Changes to the Outline CEMP Submitted
D8
Again, Sir Antony is grateful for the opportunity for further
consultation during the detailed design phase of the gantries and
signage.
Sir Antony supports the Applicant working with Gateshead to
create a coherent scheme – in both the landscaping and the design
of the acoustic barrier.
Sir Antony agrees that the replanting of trees lost as a result
of the widening of the A1 is essential and encourages a sensitive
approach to this – mitigating any negative effects caused by the
gantries and signage on views to the Angel of the North, and
utilising planting to integrate the new structures such as the
gantries and the replacement North Dene Footbridge into the
landscape.
Statement of Common Ground with Gateshead Council – document
reference TR010031/7.5A
We are delighted to hear that the Applicant has agreed in
principle to a unified Landscape Design Mitigation Scheme with
Gateshead Council, and that they will continue to work with
Gateshead Council to develop and realise this over the coming
years.
We would like to provisionally state our interest in further
consultation during the Detailed Design Phase, noted from this
document as likely to commence late Autumn this year.
In response to the discussion of climate change considerations
brought on by proposals to thin the vegetation, on page 18, we
would like to make clear that Sir Antony is of course sensitive to
the environmental concerns relating to tree clearance. Sir Antony
supports the work that Gateshead Council is doing to make sure that
the proposed landscaping scheme is environmentally and ecologically
responsible. We welcome the reintroduction of native species to the
area.
Likewise, we support the Applicant in their commitment to
replant lost trees. Sir Antony suggests that to mitigate negative
effects of the gantries, the replanting of trees with lower
maturity heights and thinner crowns on the edges of the existing
woodland is preferable.
In relation to Table 3.2 Issues Relating to the Angel of the
North, Environmental Statement, Chapter 6: Cultural Heritage: 6.8 –
Potential Impacts:
We second Gateshead Council’s request for post construction
views to aid the Landscape Design development.
In relation to Chapter 7: Landscape and Visual: 7.4 – Method of
Assessment:
We second Gateshead Council’s request for further photo montages
of embankments and cutting around the Angel of the North.
Revised Gantry Details – Appendix 3.6.A
We are grateful to the Applicant for taking on board our request
for open truss designs and lighter structures.
We would also like to thank Highways England for considering our
proposed change in location for the Eighton Lodge gantry and
appreciate that road safety must take precedence over the visual
sensitivities.
We are thankful for the exploration of the possibility for
single span gantries with foundations in the central reserve as an
alternative option to the superspan gantries. We would be grateful
if this option could be further interrogated. Sir Antony supports
and is very appreciative of all the efforts to reduce the size and
dominance of the gantries in the environs of the Angel of the
North and is hopeful that light verge-supported gantries will be
favoured in this part of the road improvement scheme. We would like
to reiterate that our preferred design is a single span or verge
mounted cantilever gantry. Any design considerations that will
create a lighter and less dominant structure in the nearby vicinity
to the Angel of the North would be greatly appreciated.
https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/ipc/uploads/projects/TR010031/TR010031-001095-Appendix%203.6%20A%20-%20Revised%20Gantry%20Details%20Report%20(tracked%20changes)%20(WQ%203.6.2b).pdf
Appendix 3.0 A - Figure 1 AL - Site Compound Plan (WQ
3.0.2a)
We have no issue with the proposed location of the site compound
to the North West in the nearby vicinity of the Allerdene
Bridge.
We have some concerns over the proposed location of the compound
to the South East of Low Eighton roundabout/junction and how this
will affect the approach to the Angel of the North. As this is a
temporary compound our concerns are not great, but we would
appreciate further reassurance on the anticipated height of any
temporary site buildings etc.
https://infrastructure.planninginspectorate.gov.uk/wp-content/ipc/uploads/projects/TR010031/TR010031-001086-Appendix%203.0%20A%20-%20Figure%201%20AL%20-%20Site%20Compound%20Plan%20(WQ%203.0.2a).pdf
Sir Antony Gormley contribution to the Issue Specific Hearing –
Landscape and Visual,
23rd June 2020
Please find below a summary of Sir Antony Gormley’s contribution
to the Issue Specific Hearing – Landscape and Visual inserted into
the Agenda:
1. Welcome, introductions and arrangements for the hearing
Firstly, Sir Antony Gormley would like to express his thanks to
the Examining Authority for allowing him to participate in the
Hearing. Sir Antony Gormley will be speaking on the Angel of the
North and visibility.
Sir Antony provides a summary of the images he has submitted:
The first image is a photo of the completed Artwork in 1998 in
relationship to the mound. Followed by two images, one taken in
2011, and one take a few days ago by Sir Antony Gormley. The final
photographs show aerial views of the Angel of the North. These
aerial views show the visual corridors from the A1 to the Angel of
the North, and how these corridors appear when clear and when
compromised.
Many thanks to the Examining Authority and the Applicant for
accepting the late submission of images of the Angel of the North.
They will be submitted formally at Deadline 9.
1. Brief update and summary of positions since Deadline 8
(including any recent discussions between parties)
No change in Sir Antony’s position.
1. Gantry signs
2. Impacts of the proposed gantry signs
Sir Antony agrees with Gateshead Council that the visual
material supplied by the Applicant is insufficient to effectively
assess the cumulative effect of the multiple gantries.
Sir Antony agrees with Gateshead Council that the massing of
several gantries will have a sequential and cumulative negative
impact on the views and experience of the Angel of the North.
Sir Antony is most concerned by the gantries at Eighton Lodge
roundabout in the immediate approach to the Angel of the North.
2. Justification for the number, location and size of the
proposed gantries
Sir Antony expresses his gratitude for the ongoing cooperation
between the Applicant and Gateshead Council.
Sir Antony of course accepts that gantries may be necessary for
road safety and that the safety of road users must take
precedence.
However, Sir Antony would like to reinforce his belief that
there will be undeniable formal impacts of the proposed gantries on
the Angel of the North.
Sir Antony would like to draw attention to the fact that the
superspan gantry proposed at Eighton Lodge would be more than 1.5
times the width of the Angel of the North.
Sir Antony agrees with the Applicant that the visual
interference caused by the gantries will be temporary, in contrast
to the more lasting shielding of views caused by the overgrown
vegetation. Should the Applicant go ahead with a landscaping scheme
in line with the plans developed by Gateshead Council, some of
these trees will be thinned, and the gantries will become even more
visible and have more of a relationship with the Angel of the
North.
Any mitigation against the massing of multiple gantries would be
beneficial.
We must interrogate the process for the justification of the
number and location of these gantries and ask how closely the
scheme has been designed to respond to the local environment.
2. Potential use of alternative sign designs
Sir Antony would support the most pragmatic and least visually
impactful design.
We would support the possible replacement of superspan gantries
with central reserve or verge mounted gantries.
2. The Applicant’s proposal for a ‘Final Sign Strategy’ to be
submitted for subsequent approval via a Requirement
As stated in our previous submission, we would be grateful to be
consulted throughout the detailed design phase and the finalisation
phase.
1. Impacts from and design of the replacement North Dene
Footbridge
3. Including consideration of design flexibility and the
proposal for future approval of details
Again, we would favour an open lightweight structure for the
North Dene Footbridge, as least visually imposing as possible.
1. Landscaping proposals in the vicinity of the Angel of the
North
4. Consideration of the Southern Green Report – Options
Appraisal for Managing and Enhancing the Angel, including weight to
be given to this document.
Sir Antony feels that great weight should be afforded to the
Southern Green Report.
The returning of the fell to its natural state would make it
available to the public. The linkage between the fell that is on
the other side of the by-road to Gateshead, gives a high viewpoint
down back from the North-East side of the Angel of the North
revealing a wonderful opening of collective space. The enhanced
visibility that Scheme 3 allows, would reveal this linkage of both
sides of that by-road. I think it has enormous social and cultural
positive effects.
In response to the Applicant, Sir Antony would like to qualify
the Applicant’s assertion that the current vegetation cover is the
result of a natural process – it is not. Immediately after having
the commission granted, a scheme of planting was undertaken, and it
is the planting scheme that we are looking at now.
4. Has agreement been reached on the proposed landscaping scheme
in the context of its impact upon views and the setting of the
Angel of the North? If not, what further amendments and/or
mitigation are sought? (Reference will be made to the revised
landscape mitigation plan [REP5-005]).
Sir Antony’s main interest is that the mound should be visible,
and any vegetation that remains along any of the key views of the
Angel of the North should be shrub-like and therefore low
lying.
4. The effects of proposed tree removal.
Sir Antony describes the images shared via Powerpoint:
First Image: Here is the Angel of the North as it was completed.
It is very important to me that the mound that it sits on is part
of the work, and it is the mound that the Angel of the North shares
with the visitor. You can see a visitor here, above that lamppost,
making it clear that it is an animated site. You can see the
relationship between the wing and the curvature of the mound.
Second Image: This is the Angel of the North as it was 10 years
ago.
Third Image: This is the Angel of the North as it was 4 days
ago.
Fourth Image: This is a further view of the Angel of the North
as it was when it was built.
Fifth Image: This shows you the Highways England planting scheme
and the forest that was planted, called the Great Northern Forest
at the time, has not begun, you can see the motorway side or byroad
planting has already begun. At this point you can see the site is
clear and the mound is still clear.
Sixth Image: This image was taken almost ten years ago, and you
can now see what has happened as a result of all of those plantings
growing up, and there is great occlusion.
Seventh Image: You can see how all of that planting, everything
that we are discussing today, is now obscuring the Angel of the
North from the A1.
Eighth Image: This image was taken from a passing car at the
time of the installation.
4. Any requirement for replacement planting in other locations
to offset the loss of trees and vegetation.
6. Other landscape and visual matters
a) Replacement Allerdene Bridge
No further comments on the Allerdene Bridge.
b) Any outstanding matters regarding Longacre Wood
No further comments
c) Habitat Calculation Update (referred to in Table 3.4 of the
Deadline 8 Statement of Common Ground with Gateshead Council)
No further comments
d) Any other matters
No further comments
7. Any other business relevant to the Agenda Note: In
circumstances where the ExA has been made aware of any technical
difficulties around participation, it will provide an opportunity
for persons who could not be heard on earlier agenda items to
participate as necessary and appropriate.
No further comments
8. Actions arising (including any procedural decisions if
required) and next steps
Sir Antony Gormley and Antony Gormley Studio will submit the
Powerpoint, including dates and locations at Deadline 9 8th
July.
Again, we are very grateful to the Examining Authority and the
Planning Team for accepting the late submission of these images for
discussion during the Hearing.
9. Closing (it is anticipated that the Hearing will close by 12
noon)
Sir Antony Gormley would again like to thank the Examining
Authority and the Planning team for allowing him to participate in
the Hearing.
Additional Summary of Current Position
Sir Antony Gormley has always been concerned by the visual
impact of the scheme on the experience of the Angel of the North.
We seek further reassurance that everything possible will be done
to minimise the negative impacts of the scheme.
We feel that the Landscape Mitigation Design is now the best way
to ensure that any negative impacts of the scheme are countered in
the vegetation management plan. The types and locations of trees
can play an important role in this, thus we need further details
and reassurance on this.
We hope that the strategic removal of trees will create improved
visual corridors – opening up of the views to the Angel of the
North and revealing the relationship between the Angel and the
mound. Therefore, Sir Antony’s preferred locations for re-planting
– include the opposite roadside verge to the Angel of the North and
at the edges of existing woodland.
Sir Antony is of course aware of the sensitivity surrounding
tree removal and supports the tree replacement initiative. Sir
Antony is eager to encourage the return of native grassland,
wildflowers, shrubs, and other smaller tree species.
VIEWPOINT
View of the front face of the Angel of the North heading North
on the A1 just beyond the J66 Eighton Lodge Roundabout.
1.587742Photo taken at the time of installation 1998. Location
circled on the map to the right, c. 54.912438, -The Angel of the
North is indicated by the red pin.
COMMENTARY
The Angel of the North and the mound on which it sits are one
Work. The relationship between the curvature of the mound and the
horizontal of the wings is the interface between the Work and
world. This is the zone in which scale becomes active.
Without a clear view of the mound and the visitors on the mound
the Angel of the North cannot function.
Sir Antony Gormley would like to draw attention to the new
planting on the access road bank.
IMAGE CAPTION
ANGEL OF THE NORTH, 1998
Steel
20 x 54 x 2.20 m
Permanent installation Gateshead, England
Commissioned by Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council,
Gateshead, England
Photograph by Sally Ann Norman, 1998
VIEWPOINT
Similar view towards the front face of the Angel of the North,
looking across the motorway heading North in 2010.
Again, photo taken from just beyond the J66 Eighton Lodge
Roundabout, in close proximity to the A167 Newcastle Bank Exit.
Location circled on the map to the right, , c. 54.911823, -1.585725
. The Angel of the North is indicated by the red pin.
COMMENTARY
This image shows the Angel of the North as it was 10 years’ ago
from the perspective of an A1 road user.
IMAGE CAPTION
ANGEL OF THE NORTH, 1998
Steel
20 x 54 x 2.20 m
Permanent installation Gateshead, England
Commissioned by Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council,
Gateshead, England
Photograph by Jerry Hardman Jones, 2010
IMAGE CAPTION
ANGEL OF THE NORTH, 1998
Steel
20 x 54 x 2.20 m
Permanent installation Gateshead, England
Commissioned by Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council,
Gateshead, England
Photograph by Sir Antony Gormley, 2020
VIEWPOINT
Similar view, looking across the motorway, taken from the
perspective of an A1 road user in 2020.
Again, photo taken from just beyond the J66 Eighton Lodge
Roundabout, in close proximity to the A167 Newcastle Bank Exit.
Location circled on the map to the right, c. 54.911823, -1.585725 .
The Angel of the North is indicated by the red pin.
COMMENTARY
This image shows the Angel of the North , again from the
perspective of an A1 road user. The photograph was taken in June
2020 and thus reflects the current view towards the Angel of the
North.
IMAGE CAPTION
ANGEL OF THE NORTH, 1998
Steel
20 x 54 x 2.20 m
Permanent installation Gateshead, England
Commissioned by Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council,
Gateshead, England
Photograph by Colin Cuthbert, 1998
VIEWPOINT
Similar view, looking across the motorway in 1998.
Again, photo taken from just beyond the J66 Eighton Lodge
Roundabout, in close proximity to the A167 Newcastle Bank Exit.
Location circled on the map to the right, c. 54.911823, -1.585725 .
The Angel of the North is indicated by the red pin.
COMMENTARY
This is a further view of the Angel of the North as it was when
first built. The viewpoint demonstrates the relationship between
the Angel of the North and the fell landscape.
VIEWPOINT
Aerial view showing the Angel of the North at the time of
installation in 1998.
Photograph taken near the Lamesley Durham Road Junction Location
circled on the map to the right c.54.911683, -1.586748. The Angel
of the North is indicated by the red pin.
All of the previous images were taken roughly where the white
and orange vans are positioned to the bottom right-hand corner of
this photograph, near the location circled in red on this satellite
image.
COMMENTARY
This image shows you the Highways England planting scheme and
the forest that was planted, called the Great Northern Forest at
the time, has not begun, you can see the motorway side or byroad
planting has already begun. At this point you can see the site is
clear and the mound is still clear.
IMAGE CAPTION
ANGEL OF THE NORTH, 1998
Steel
20 x 54 x 2.20 m
Permanent installation Gateshead, England
Commissioned by Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council,
Gateshead, England
Colin Cuthbert, 1998
IMAGE CAPTION
ANGEL OF THE NORTH, 1998
Steel
20 x 54 x 2.20 m
Permanent installation Gateshead, England
Commissioned by Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council,
Gateshead, England
Photograph by Ian Scott, 2011
VIEWPOINT
Aerial view showing the Angel of the North in 2011, showing how
the planting has grown and the effect on views across the
motorway.
This is an aerial view taken looking North from just beyond the
Eighton Lodge Junction. Location is circled on the map to the right
c.
54.912302, -1.589542. The Angel of the North is indicated by the
red pin.
COMMENTARY
This image was taken almost ten years ago, and you can now see
what has happened as a result of the planting scheme maturing, and
there is great occlusion.
IMAGE CAPTION
ANGEL OF THE NORTH, 1998
Steel
20 x 54 x 2.20 m
Permanent installation Gateshead, England
Commissioned by Gateshead Metropolitan Borough Council,
Gateshead, England
Photograph by Ian Scott, 2011
VIEWPOINT
Aerial view of the Angel of the North, showing how the planting
has obscured all long views towards the Artwork.
This aerial view was taken looking South towards the back of the
Angel of the North. In the bottom right-hand corner of the image
you can see a portion of the football pitch North of the Angel of
the North and towards the top centre of the image you can see the
Eighton Lodge Roundabout to the South of the Angel of the North.
Location circled on the map to the right c. Low Fell 54.914469,
-1.593173. The Angel of the North is indicated by the red pin.
COMMENTARY
You can see how all of that planting, everything that we are
discussing today, is now obscuring the Angel of the North from the
A1.
![A1 Birtley to Coal House Scheme Number: TR010031 · 2020. 7. 21. · (November 2019) and BS EN 1793-1.’ Added to reflect response to ExA’s First Written Question Q1.7.11 [REP2-060]](https://img.pdfslide.us/doc/110x75/60c2c9ccbf38c4371375e096/a1-birtley-to-coal-house-scheme-number-tr010031-2020-7-21-november-2019.jpg)
